If you are trying to avoid a lazy Memorial Day, put ORRC’s Up the Lazy River 10K on your agenda. Despite the race name, there is nothing lazy about this event. In fact, the emphasis should probably be on the word “up.” While most of the course includes some easy rollers, there is one hill that will amaze and challenge you. While just a short distance, it is surprisingly steep for a neighborhood street. But, don’t let this challenge stop you. The scenic West Linn area along the Willamette River makes for a great run and the downhill finish helps you forget that doozy of a hill you encountered earlier on the 10K route. And the traditional (and very cool) Fitsoks finisher’s socks are definitely worth your efforts!
Starting at Mary S. Young Park in West Linn, this event is part of the ORRC 10K series, is a Masters Championship race, and supports a great cause – Willie Fit. Willie Fit is a running program at Wilsonville High School. Students participating in this program will be running Up the Lazy River as their goal race for this program.
Up the Lazy River (UTLR) also includes on course trivia, which is a great mental distraction for those that need it or a conversation starter if you are a social runner. This year’s themes are “music” and “chemistry.”
If you really want to avoid a lazy Memorial Day weekend, register for Up the Lazy River and Run with Paula’s Memorial Day Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K – held on Saturday, May 27. Portland Running Company and Run with Paula have joined forces with UTLR and those that register for both races will receive a $10 Portland Running Company gift card. What a deal! And, thanks to Portland Running Company, there will be “speedster hats.” available at UTLR. Men that run the course in faster than 42:00 and women that are faster than 48:00 will earn a “speedster hat!”
There will also be a free Kids’ Run, so bring the little ones. But, please, no strollers or pets at this event. And, don’t forget to stop by the Thank You station, where you can decorate a bib in honor of those who have served in the US Military. You can also sign a huge thank you card that will be going to the VA Hospital thanking our veterans.
Round up your friends and family and carpool to this great little race in West Linn. I have run this one several times and I highly recommend it as a great start to your Memorial Day.
Up the Lazy River Details
Date: Monday, May 29 (Memorial Day)
Time: 8:30 A.M.
10:30 A.M. – Kids’ Run
Location: Mary S Young Park, 19990 Willamette Dr, West Linn
Entry Fee: $35
$40 – Day of Race
Race Website: Click Here
